International coop setup to promote insects for feed

An international cooperative, International InsectCentre (IIC), has been established by more than 15 companies, universities and government agencies all interested in promoting the application of insects and insect larvae as a protein rich resource for feed, food and the pharmaceutical industry.

ICC is based in Brabant, the Netherlands and its primary function will be to facilitate and accelerate developments by developing joint projects and by realising breakthroughs in (international) legislation and regulation. Also communication and branding, organising finance and funding and coordination of research and knowledge development.

Black soldier fly, housefly and mealworm Worldwide more than 1,900 insect species are edible. Of these 60 species can be produced in the Netherlands. Practice shows that especially the larvae of the black soldier fly, the housefly and the mealworm are well suitable for the use of large scale organic waste streams and the large scale production of proteins and therefore useable for the feed and food industry and pharmaceutical applications.

New supply and processing chainIIC supports the construction of a complete new supply chain (production, processing, application, sales) for insects. Especially important is the realization of large‐scale production (from niche market to main stream market). The founders envision that within 7 years we will see 80 large(r) production facilities with a turnover of €420 million.